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October 17, 2011

Safety Tip: Aerial Lifts

Aerial lifts include boom-supported aerial platforms, such as cherry pickers or bucket trucks. (OSHA regulates scissor lifts as mobile scaffolds, not as aerial devices.) The major causes of aerial lift fatalities are falls, electrocutions and collapses or tip-overs. Here are some OSHA tips for safe work practices:

Never move the equipment with workers on an elevated platform unless this is permitted by the manufacturer.

Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and the rails of the basket. Movement of the lift could crush the worker(s).

Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, from the nearest overhead lines.

Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated.

Use a body harness or restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent worker(s) from being ejected or pulled from the basket.

Set the brakes, and use wheel chocks when on an incline.

Use outriggers, if provided.

Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools, and materials.

Ensure workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.

Maintain and operate elevating work platforms in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.